Device and process for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor plate

An X-ray read out device for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor plate, the device comprising:

• an apparatus for holding and/or conveying the phosphor plate in an orientation inclined by an inclination angle α in relation to the vertical, in which the phosphor plate is flat in form, the apparatus including one or more support elements which are arranged such that the phosphor plate inclined in relation to the vertical can lie on the one or more support elements due to the weight of the phosphor plate, and the one or more support elements include a first support inclined in relation to the vertical on which the phosphor plate lies during read-out and/or during conveyance;
• a read-out device for reading out the flat phosphor plate inclined by the inclination angle α in relation to the vertical;
• an insertion device for insertion of a cassette in which the phosphor plate is located;
• and
• a coupling device for mechanically coupling the insertion device with the first support during conveyance of the phosphor plate, and mechanically uncoupling the insertion device from the first support during read-out of the phosphor plate.

A process for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor plate, comprising the steps of:

• providing a storage phosphor plate being flat in form;
• inserting a cassette in which the phosphor plate is located into an insertion device, the phosphor plate being removed from the cassette and conveyed to a first support, and the phosphor plate is read out while lying on the first support, the insertion device being mechanically coupled with the first support during conveyance of the phosphor plate;
• and
• reading out information stored on the phosphor plate while the plate is inclined at an inclination angle α in relation to a vertical, the insertion device being mechanically uncoupled from the first support during reading out of the phosphor plate.